Where to save money on your wedding

Weddings need not be as expensive as they often seem. Most couples start with a budget, but this can be exceeded by additional elements, which, in hindsight, no one will notice.

Below are the best ways to stay savvy without having a wedding that feels too DIY or draining the fun out of wedding planning.

Choose either a wedding makeup or a hairdresser

Wise brides know that going over the top on every element of your look will be too much and might scare your groom off. As the aim should be to look the best version of yourself, choose the element you would like to enhance the most or are less skilful at. This will immediately half the cost and make getting ready in the morning more relaxed.

Save Bridesmaid dresses by using the high-street

The high-street has finally cottoned on that money can be made by creating low-cost, elegant dresses, which are great for bridesmaids. These can also can be re-used. Shopping on the high-street can save up to £100 per dress depending on the style/brand selected. Related articles: choosing bridesmaids -
bridesmaids dresses

Simplify wedding accessories

The best bridal accessories come in pairs. By wearing a combination of two items such as; a bracelet and earrings or necklace and hair accessory will ensure your look stays elegant. Borrowing or using old pieces are also in keeping with bridal traditions. While brides often desire sparkle or pearls, no one will recognise whether they are real or not so opt for pretty high-street items. Related article: bridal jewellery

Cut-out wedding favours

Wedding favours can become a big spend and do not get the attention deserved as guests are normally more focused on chatting, pouring wine and eating. By stripping out the cost of wedding favours, you will also cut out the disappointment felt when no one even comments on your efforts. If wedding favours are a must then shop for small edible items or make your own. Related articles: choosing wedding favours

Limit wedding decorations and floral arrangements

Most wedding venues are stunning without any additional decoration. By cutting back on these distractions, the key elements will stand out even more. Similarly, bridal bouquets and confetti do not need to be extravagant; simplicity will frame your dress more distinctly.

Create your own wedding stationery

You do not have to be a talented artist to create your own save the dates, wedding invitations, place cards, seating plan and thank you cards. There are very simple to use online services that provide step by step instructions and template to reduce cost and time. When using these do make sure to try a few sites as there are always discounts and these vary.

Choose either a wedding band or DJ

There no need for both a band and DJ. Most groups will also play recorded music in between, and most DJs will be very flexible for you to have as much input as possible. Picking one or the other will halve costs and going for a cheaper DJ who will play your playlists will reduce costs considerably too. Related articles: booking a band -
hiring a DJ -
creating a playlist

Wedding bar

In America, it is expected that an open bar is offered but time restrictions can be set so that the guests are given alcohol, but you do not end up paying for anyone’s excess. In the UK it is recommended to pay for the cocktail hour drinks, but then a cash bar is normally expected so there is no need to be extra generous.

simplify the wedding cake

Unless a wedding cake is crucial to you, it can be very easy to buy a plain but equally yummy version from most supermarkets. If you would like a specially made cake, it is worthwhile shopping around and limiting your budget to £300 ($400) for a cake to serve 100 people.

Reduce the courses served at the wedding breakfast

By reducing the wedding breakfast down from three to two courses, a significant saving can be made and the dessert course can even be replaced by serving your wedding cake to ensure everyone gets a piece.

Wedding elements not to get discounted

These are often the core elements of the day if items that are significant to you as a couple. It is highly recommended not to scrimp on the following to avoid regrets,

Venue

Most couples will have a type of place they want to get married. Keep to this type of venue and allow this to absorb the most budget. You and your guests will remember forever where you got married, and if it is someone significant or important, this will make your memories even more incredible. Related articles: researching wedding venues -
selecting a wedding venue

Food

Along with the venue, the food is a big talking point at the wedding breakfast, and it also sets the tone for the evening reception. Going to external lesser known caterers can seem cheaper, but this cost can quickly be swallowed up by additional extras.

Photographers

Your wedding day will fly past, but the memories will live on forever in your pictures. Photographs that poor quality, do not capture special moments or guests is one of the biggest regrets from married couples. Related articles: finding photographers -
getting perfect photos